Suspect arrested after pipe bomb thrown onto Satanic temple in Massachusetts

Suspect arrested and charged throw a pipe bomb on the porch of the Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced.

An Oklahoma man is accused of throwing an improvised explosive device (IED) and causing minor damage in an incident last week, according to an indictment.

Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Oklahoma, was arrested Wednesday morning, the agency announced in a press release later that day.

According to prosecutors, the man threw an explosive device at the main gate of the Satanic Temple around 4:14 a.m. on April 8. The explosives detonated, causing “minor fire and associated damage to the TST’s exterior,” according to a press release.

Law enforcement said last week that no one was inside the building at the time.

Investigators found a six-page handwritten note next to the IED, according to an affidavit written by an FBI agent.

The note read, “Dear Satanist,” and also referenced Elohim, the Hebrew name for God.

According to the affidavit, the note read, “Elohim sent me seven months ago to convey a peaceful message that I hope you will repent.” “You will say no. The Elohim are now sending me to defeat Satan, and I am willing to obey.”

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, prosecutors said. Investigators located a car owned by Palmer that was being driven near the temple minutes before and after the incident.

Palmer was scheduled to appear in Oklahoma District Court on Thursday.

There have been bomb threats to the Devil’s Temple before. This center he founded in 2013. The Salem headquarters has exhibits on witch hunting and devil worship. According to its website, it “frequently hosts and performs formal ceremonial events, lectures, screenings, and conferences.”